A place where the elders, ministers, and ministry leaders of the Southeastern Church of Christ can share how God is working in their lives as they strive to serve the church that He has placed in their care.

Thursday, August 30, 2012

"How's your Spiritual Life?"

I had lunch recently with
a good friend and mentor.I met him at
his “office” as I have done many times over the last three or four years…the Bob
Evans Restaurant on East Washington Street, here in Indianapolis.He started the conversation as he nearly
always does:

“Mike, how’s your spiritual
life?”

Have
you ever had someone ask you that?I
mean, we often ask each other things like: “How’s it going?” or “How are you
doin’?”We don’t actually want to
know…we are just being courteous.It’s another way of saying hello.My friend’s question, though, will make you pause.It does a few other things too,
like….

Make you nervous.

Make you embarrassed.

Make you want to
slide down under the table and hide!

The first time he asked me that question, I was
caught off guard.Not because I had
never before been asked that or a similar question.Rather, it was because it hadn’t happened in
a long time, and never since becoming a member at Southeastern.I was caught off guard…and a bit embarrassed
because at the time, my spiritual life was less than stellar.When that happens, you have a choice to make:
Will I be honest or will I hide?In my
case, I was sort of honest.“Sort
of.”That means that I didn’t want
to really hide…I wanted to tell the truth…but, I was also embarrassed and didn’t
want to be completely straightforward.So, I hemmed and hawed…I admitted to some struggles, but I lacked
detail.That said, you know, I walked
away from that encounter refreshed.I
felt better because someone had pushed me to be open even just a little bit with
what was on the inside, and my struggles had leaked out some.It felt good to have someone care enough to
ask me how I was doing.I felt like I
had company on my spiritual journey.

During our most recent lunch, when he asked me that question, I answered
like this:

“Keith, I try real hard to be doing really
well anytime I’m going to have lunch with you.Don’t ask me about last week, and next week isn’t here yet, but for right
now, I’m doing pretty good.”

He nearly fell of his chair in laughter.Never, in all the years that he’s been asking
that question, had anyone answered it in quite that
way.

But, you see,
that’s the glory of great spiritual relationships…especially relationships where
there is a sense of mentoring or discipleship.They drive you to be better than you would be otherwise.They influence you to focus on the facets of
life that are primary and of highest importance.Like the Six Million Dollar Man, they make
you better than you were before.(Children of the 70’s will get that reference.)I am a better man today because there have
been a handful of men over the years (along with my wife) who have taken the
time to really ask me how my walk with God is doing, and through their influence
my life has been changed and continues to change for the
better.

Here are a couple of scriptures to emphasize my
thoughts:

Do nothing out of
selfish ambition or vain conceit.Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your
own interests but each of you to the interests of others.Philippians
2:3-4

To the point of my post, we need to care enough to
ASK and LISTEN to one another.We need
to show an interest in the lives (interests) of each
other.

This is the message we have heard from Him and declare to
you: God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all.If we claim to have fellowship with Him and
yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth.But if we walk in the light, as He is in the
light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son,
purifies us from all sin.1 John 1:5-7

When we hold all our mess inside, are we not hiding
in the darkness?

We need to have folks
in our lives that will help us drag it all out in the light.We need to be honest with God, and we need to
be honest with one another….and we can then have real fellowship with both God
and our friends.

Thursday, August 23, 2012

One of the hobbies that we
enjoy doing together is riding our bikes on the rural roads of Johnson County
(or anywhere else we find good scenery and few cars).It is a great way to share time together
while enjoying God’s creation and getting some exercise.No, this is not a blog on marriage building, but…“recreational
companionship” is a great way to strengthen your marriage.We digress slightly…back to the topic at
hand.One of our favorite topics of
discussion as we pedal down the road is what we have entitled “Rules of the
Road”.These rules are guides for a good
bike ride as well as for a good Christian life.We thought we would share a few of these rules of the road with you in
hopes that they help you through your “ride”.

1.Aim for where you want to go instead of thinking about
where you don’t want to go.As you are riding along, you don’t always
have much time to respond to obstacles in the road.If you look at the hole in the road and think,
“don’t hit that hole”, you will often hit that hole. Instead, if you focus your
eyes on a positive direction away from the obstacle, your bike will follow your
eyes and you will take a safe path.Proverbs 3:6In all
your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths.If we keep our eyes on God, our path in this
life will be much smoother.

2.Follow the leader.Organized rides often have
“ride leaders”.Their job is to point
you in the right direction and help you avoid hazards.Even on casual rides, the standard ride etiquette
is for the person in front to point out potential dangers to the following
riders by pointing or saying pithy things like “car up”, “bump” or “gravel” (Ask
Rhonda about gravel, a major nemesis of all bike riders).I Corinthians 11:1Follow my example, as I follow the example of
Christ.With God as our ride leader,
we can avoid many of the pitfalls of this life.

3.Use the right equipment; it makes for a better ride.When taking a
long ride, we are often 10-20 miles away from where we parked our car, so it is
essential to be prepared for unforeseen circumstances.We always take emergency supplies such as an
extra bike tube, a pump to blow it up, band-aids, dog spray (not to attract
them), cell phone, bike multi-tool and identification cards.It would be easier to go without all these
things, but if you ride long enough, you will be glad you have them.We also ride with the right clothing and a
helmet.Believe it, those funny looking
shorts with the padding in the back really help after 20 or more miles on the
bike.And the first time you hear the
sound of your bike helmet hitting the pavement instead of your head, you will never
ride without one again (ask Brian about wet pavement).II Tim
3:16-17All
Scripture is God-breathed…, sothat the servant of God may be
thoroughly equipped for every good work.Eph 6:11Put
on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s
schemes.Why wouldn’t we take
advantage of every piece of Christian equipment that God supplies us with…especially
the Word of God and the helmet of salvation.The devil will throw things at us much worse than gravel and wet
pavement.

4.Don’t ride through poop.This thought
came during a ride through Amish country (think horses on the road).When you ride though something wet or sticky
with your bicycle, the back wheel is very effective at picking up the substance
and slinging it off at high speed.Not
only does it go up your own back, but it is thrown out in a fan shaped pattern
behind you.This doesn’t make you very
popular if others are close behind.Prov 4:14-16Do not set foot on the path of the wickedor walk in the way of
evildoers. Avoid it, do not travel on it;turn from it and go on your way.For
they cannot rest until they do evil; they are robbed of sleep till they make
someone stumble. II Cor
2:15For
we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among
those who are perishing.We don’t always realize it, but we are
constantly being observed as representatives of God…sometimes good examples and
sometimes not so good.The less mud or
other things that we sling, the more pleasing the aroma is that we give off for
Christ.

Hopefully, these few thoughts
will help you in some small way on your ride through life.We have many more rules of the road, so be on
the lookout for part two.

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

This is today’s all too common
refrain!It may well be a valid reason
at times, but it’s also come to be considered a “valid excuse”.Have you said this?C’mon on now; be honest.Is it a reason or an excuse.STOP!// Stop at this point and truthfully evaluate
how you actually spend your 24 hours a day every day. This relates to everyone
from first grade until retirement – and perhaps beyond.How do you spend your time?How much of it is necessary?How much is purely for your personal enjoyment?
How much is “wasted”?Yes, I’m talking
to myself also. - [Television; movies; talking on phone; texting; facebook;
tweeting; games [computer or other], clubs, sports, reading for pleasure [as
opposed to reading for enhancement or learning]; travel; time with friends;
hobbies; the list goes on].We have so
many choices now for ways to
use our time.Most of these are good
choices, but of course there are bad choices also.Chris Shelby, our missionary from Rwanda who
visited last Sunday, told me they now have satellite TV and get ESPN, etc.Even they have to be responsible in their
choices and use of time.Now don’t get
me wrong; of course it’s very important to have recreation, relationships and
communication with others, and “down time.” We just need to keep a proper balance.How is your balance?

While I’m talking about balance, I’ll
put in a word against what I call being “electronically tethered” – being a
slave to cell phones, texting, Face book, internet capability, or whatever new
‘creature’ comes along.It’s improper
for them to assume immediate and utmost priority to you [and please DO NOT use
them while driving!]. A good general
rule is: “Use new technology, but
don’t be used [abused] by it.”I
think my grandson, Nicholas, has reached a very wise and functional way to use
the new media.He carries his cell phone
with him, but he keeps it on “silent” - checking it about every 30
minutes.He then responds if the
situation is appropriate.This is his
way of using it but not being abused by it.

You’ve heard the statement: “Stop and smell the roses.”We need to do more of this - Pause; reflect;
take time to observe God’s wonderful creation; don’t over commit; drop even
good things if you’re over committed; have more meaningful communication; read
and study to learn; plan to grow spiritually – through Bible
study, books by Christian writers, CD’s, DVD’s, meetings and seminars, web
sites, sermons, classes, etc.There is
such a wealth of good information available.

My underlying message is for you NOT to say you’re too busy - but
to evaluate your lives, how you use your time, prioritize more wisely, make
changes where needed, and always leave time to ‘stop and smell the roses.’

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Prior to my mom’s death a few weeks ago, she had suffered
for 10 years from the debilitating effects of Pick’s Disease, a relatively rare
form of dementia.At the outset of the
disorder, mom began jumbling “yes” and “no.”A year or two later, she was unable to express herself in full sentences.Eventually the disease silenced her voice
completely.

Last fall, I found copies of a few letters my mom had
written that would once again give voice to her personality and passion.The letters were to Inez Baucum, 1 the social worker who
handled the adoptions of my brother, sister and me:

September,
1962

Dear Inez,

We named the baby, Rhonda Maye.Dale wanted to call her Baby Moses, but we
told him that was a boy’s name, so he agreed to Rhonda. She has done so well and changes every
day.Dale keeps me posted on what she
needs, thinks, etc.He doesn’t even want
to chew gum, preferring to save it until she grows so they can share it.…

About a month later, Mom wrote again:

Dear Inez,

Enclosed is the picture I promised. Dale is holding it while I am writing saying, “We
love her; we think she is precious don’t we?”He really listens to what people say about her.If they brag appropriately, he’ll say later, “Wasn’t
that a nice woman? I like her....”

The sentiment I expressed toward my new sister probably had
more to do with the love my parents modeled for me than any real passion in my
young heart.I joked at the funeral that
we never found any letters about my brother, Mike, who came along a few years
later! But one of my mom’s friends shared
a conversation she had with Mom when the disease first began to affect her
speech.

“Afraid to die?” Mom
asked her friend, Flo.

“No,” said Flo, “but
I AM concerned about leaving my grandchildren.”

After several moments of silence, Mom said, “Mike!?”

Flo quickly reassured mom, that even after her death, Mike
would be cared for by his church family.

Mom’s loving devotion to me was reinforced in another story
that I learned in college shortly after I met Dana. Dana had gone to visit her grandmother in
Levelland, Texas one weekend and told her all about this new guy she had met. As it turns out, Dana’s grandmother knew
me—and used to babysit me when we lived in the same small town. She told Dana that I had been in and out of foster
care with my parents for a few years before they adopted me, and that plenty of
well-meaning church members counseled my parents:“Don’t adopt the problem child!”Mom’s response was always the same: “We want
to adopt someone who needs us.”

And so it seems, from the first days we three came to live
in her home to the last days within her ability, mom loved and cared for us,
often at great personal sacrifice. But
she was always quick to add, “with God’s
help.” The truth is, we all need
Someone to look after us.I’m thankful
for a mom whose life reflected, modeled, and pointed me toward dependency upon
a Gracious God, the Stronger One.

Jude
24, 25:“To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before
his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—to the only God our
Savior be glory, majesty, power, and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord,
before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

Thursday, August 2, 2012

This is always a weird time of year for me.I parked the last van for the summer season this
past Friday and my body, mind, and soul don’t quite know how to adjust to the
changes.I go from a nonstop summer
schedule to a fall in which the teens are in school and I sleep in my own bed
almost every night.Oh how I miss the
bunks of Spring Mill…

It has been a great summer.I was blessed to watch God do some pretty amazing things.I witnessed eight teens give their lives to
Christ and new leaders emerge in our group.I experienced the process of teens maturing and talents being exposed
while our group served selflessly in Murphy, at Spring Mill, and locally in
Indianapolis.I even got to go play at
Cedar Point and have a lot of fun with the group at other activities this
summer.It has been a great couple of
months, but it is time for a recharge! If
you see me in the next few weeks and I seem to be in a comatose state, don’t
worry, I’ll bounce back.But, it is
definitely time for some Sabbath.

When I give thought about how to find rest, the examples
Jesus set comes to mind.Throughout his
ministry, Jesus took opportunities to connect with his Father to recoup energy
and sharpen his mind.If we are
fulfilling our call into ministry, whether it is a fast-paced summer with
teens, “simply” serving our neighbors, or representing Jesus to co-workers or
peers in school; it requires us to take breaks and be refreshed if we want be focused
and at our best.May I present just a
few ways that I “fill my cup” when I am empty?

1-Dig into the Word.The Bible can be a rejuvenating book as it
reminds us of the presence and nature of God.It also recommits us to the knowledge and wisdom we gain through the
Bible.

2-Heart-felt talks with God.He loves to hear what is on our hearts and
minds….good and bad.And, as we talk
through things with Him, the Spirit can work in us for peace, clarity, and
rejuvenation.

3-Escape!In our culture we are always connected with people and we seldom find
time to be truly quiet.Halfway through
a Bible study or prayer time, the phone will beep at us with a text (mine
literally just chimed in with a new text as I typed the word “beep”), Facebook
update, Tweet, or phone call.Be willing
to shut off the phone and go somewhere for isolation.

4-Connect with those who recharge you.I have a couple of really good friends who I
can talk to about anything and laugh a lot with.It always helps me to feel better when I can
unload a few issues onto them.

I recognize that different people have different ways of
reconnecting with God. The important thing is that we find time to take rest
and refocus.If you have any good ideas
that work well for you, I’d love to hear about them in the comments
section.